Craving banana leaf rice? Try the one at Batu Caves’ Restoran Chetty Nadu

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 27 — If you're in the vicinity of Batu Caves, drop by this unassuming restaurant for banana leaf rice. You will find food that hits the spot perfectly and it won't break your wallet.

I've been looking for a good banana leaf rice to satisfy my cravings but still priced reasonably. In the pursuit of a good place, I ended up making a trip to Batu Caves for this banana leaf rice.

Initially I was skeptical about it since it's located right next to a tourist spot. Once I tried it I was pretty impressed though.

The clientele is a muhibbah mix. During lunch time, people are crowding around the food to pack home. Finding a place to sit can also be an issue if you come here late.

Ramp up the flavour with their pepper chicken.

There's an array of fried items like this boxing chicken and ‘ikan bulus’.

Mutton curry has a mild spicy flavour with tender pieces of mutton.

You start with the basic banana leaf rice set for RM7. This came with your choice of rice. My personal preference is Indian rice or parboiled rice since I don't get into a food coma after my meal.

Then they ladle on four different types of vegetables. What stood out for me was their bittergourd. Here it has a bitter edge that gives a nice dimension to the dish. I also like how they mixed broad beans with a bit of crunch to give a contrast of textures.

Even the cucumber with yoghurt was good as it had softened in the yoghurt which gave the to gue relief from the spicy curries.

You also have spinach and a hairy gourd vegetable that reminded me of the Chinese version.

Help yourself to the mutton curry from the counter.

Pepper chicken packs a flavour punch with that fiery pepper.

Help yourself to the dishes from the counter for your takeaway.

Rather than the usual chicken dishes, they serve this unusual pepper chicken (RM10). This dish definitely tickles one's tongue as the pepper gives it a fiery flavour.

You also have mutton curry (RM15) which is creamy and filled with tender pieces of meat. It's also ideal for those who can't handle spicy food.

They also offer an array of fried items. The fried chicken is done boxing style making it easy to eat with your fingers. It has an old school air to it, complete with a piece of foil at the tip of the bone to make sure your fingers don't get dirty. A plate of two boxing chicken and small sized ikan bulus will set you back RM5.

The curries paired with the rice are a choice of mutton, fish or chicken. It's thick but in terms of flavour, I felt it could be better. You can also ask for dhal too.

There is also Maggi mee goreng fried upon order and if you prefer eating lunch thali style, you can pick up a stainless steel plate and just heap on the food from the counter to eat with your rice.

Various curries and deep fried items are laid out at the counter.

During lunch time, the place gets packed with diners.

Find the restaurant next to Batu Caves.

The all-day eatery also serves breakfast in the morning.

Restoran Chetty Nadu Batu Caves, No. 15G, Plaza Umno, Jalan Batu Caves, Selangor. Open daily: 7am to 10pm. Tel:012-2236158

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